The Top of the World by Ethan Joella @joellawriting @ryando_vo #miahutchinsonshaw @simon.audio @simonaudio.bsky.social #TheTopOfTheWorld

the setup…
It’s the summer of 1974 and Chip Bishop just graduated from high school but was also handed devastating health news. Facing a terminal illness, he leaves his family for a time and heads to The Red Maple Inn in the Poconos. Fast forward to the summer of 1975, Chip’s grieving younger sister Maggie heads to the same resort, seeking answers and solace following the death of her beloved brother.

the heart of the story…
I read my first book by the author four years ago and recognized in that moment that he would always be able to speak directly to my heart. Chip chose to “live” in what remained of his days, among those who didn’t know of his destiny. I enjoyed the transitions between Chip’s and Maggie’s journeys, which had the effect of illuminating both. As I sympathized with his family who lost precious time with him, I also championed Chip’s steadfast desire to freely experience…everything.

the narration…
Ryan Do and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw delivered fine performances. They were both appropriately understated in tone and manner and I enjoyed everything about their narrations.

the bottom line…
Another story that spoke both to my heart and head. Chip’s choices allowed him not only dignity but a unique clarity about the path to the end of his life. Maggie didn’t know what she was seeking but knew instinctively she might find it where he last chose to go. It’s a lovely story that left some cracks in my heart but also left quite a bit of lightness, too. I’ll always read whatever Joella chooses to write.

Book Info

• Release Date: June 30, 2026
• Narrators: Ryan Do & Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
• Audio Length: 8 hours, 10 minutes
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Listen to a Sample!

Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm

(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)